Minutes - 04-11-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Brawn feels it is important to keep the programs strong; both Section VIII and the lending practices. She feels that there is a problem with people not being able to obtain loans in Orange County. Chair Carey reiterated that the Board would get information back from Geoffrey Gledhill on the loan fund. The County Commissioners will be reexamining the criteria and will work to target groups identified by the task farce. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested using ourselves, (i.e., County employees} as a standard in assisting all citizens to live in this County before looking to the University to take some responsibility for affordable housing. Commissioner Gordon suggested getting a report together on what the County has done in Orange County for affordable housing. It was agreed that staff would prepare this report. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that the Board think globally of how the County can make affordability a reality. He said that the County does a lot to make the County livable and affordable, and not just in housing. d. Local Housing Trust Fund Creation - "Penny for Housing" Jahn Link made reference to the responsibilities of County government and those that the County Commissioners are mandated to provide such as school systems, courts, social services, public health, register of deeds, and the sheriff. There are other responsibilities that are elective such as housing, libraries, recreation, etc. He said that in the County's budget there is a small amount of revenue for new initiatives. He presented three options for the Board's consideration as stated below: 1. The County appropriates the equivalent of %4 cent on the Countywide tax rate each year for three years as a contribution to a Housing Trust Fund. 2. The County appropriates up to the equivalent of %4 cent on the Countywide tax rate each year for three years as a contribution to a Housing Trust Fund, to the extent those funds are matched by other local entities. 3. The County appropriates the equivalent of %4 cent on the Countywide tax rate each year for three years as a contribution to a Housing Trust Fund, and, up to the equivalent of an additional %4 cent, to the extent those funds are matched by other local entities. John Link suggested that whatever option the Board decides on, that they leverage some of that with remaining bond funds to achieve a particular housing goal. As an example, one quarter of a cent at the present tax rate would generate $175,000 a year. Commissioner Halkiotis asked what one third of a cent would be and John Link said $230,000 and one half of a cent would be $460,000. Commissioner Halkiotis feels that whatever is appropriated should be matched by Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Mebane. He feels the appropriation should be more than one quarter of a cent. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to see the budget and how the Housing Trust Fund fits in before making a commitment. Chair Carey said that no final decision would be made until after the budget is received and discussed. He feels that, at this point, the reason for this item is so directions could be made to the Manager on how to proceed. He feels that the County has made a lot of progress in affordable housing and how to provide for additional affordable housing. He believes that the Board should start now to provide some additional funds for affordable housing activities. He does not want to wait another year before accumulating money far these efforts. He supports starting out with the quarter of a cent for the first three years and then considering a higher appropriation. Commissioner Halkiotis said that for a worthwhile project like affordable housing, $175,000 is not enough compared to what has been spent in studying solid waste in Orange County. Commissioner Brown said that it is important to continue what has begun with bond money. She agrees that the Board needs to look at the County budget before making a final decision. She feels it needs to be an effort, not only by Orange County, but also with Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Mebane. She likes the three options as presented by John Link.